Community, wraparound supports key in transitioning unsheltered people into housing: organizations
Global News
Organizations say Winnipeg has great examples like The Bell Hotel that help people transition out of homelessness. They say the city is in dire need of housing with supports.
Robert was recovering from frostbite on both feet at a pop-up St. Boniface Street Links warming space over the weekend, after spending hours outside Friday in freezing temperatures while high on meth.
“If it weren’t for the organization, I, well, I might be dead for one thing.”
Global News isn’t providing Robert’s full name to protect his identity. He’s been struggling with addictions, bipolar disorder and homelessness for years.
Robert says he doesn’t feel safe in shelters or on the street. He’s looking for a place to call his own but knows he can’t be alone.
“One of the reasons that I think I and others have been drawn back into to addiction and homelessness is ironically, because we are looking for connections to our community,” he said.
His desire for community is common, and Breda Vosters and Talia Potash with Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY) say many find it in encampments.
“The crux of the issue for us, though, is will they stay housed?” Vosters, RAY’s grants and information director, told Global News on Thursday.
Community should be considered in transitioning people into housing, Vosters said.